GIGABYTE B660 Aorus Master DDR5 Intel Motherboard

The Gigabyte B660 Aorus Master DDR5 is a full-size ATX motherboard (30.5 cm × 24.4 cm) built on the Intel B660 Express Chipset and fitted with an LGA1700 socket. It supports 12th-Generation Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors as well as 13th-Generation Intel Core processors, making it a versatile platform for builds ranging from everyday workstations to gaming rigs. Memory performance is a standout feature. Four DDR5 DIMM slots support up to 128 GB of system memory (32 GB per slot) in a dual-channel configuration. Out-of-the-box rated speeds reach DDR5-4800, while XMP-enabled kits can push the platform to DDR5-6000 (O.C.). The board also accommodates ECC Un-buffered modules operating in non-ECC mode, adding flexibility for light workstation use. Storage is handled by three M.2 slots: one CPU-direct PCIe 4.0 x4 connector and two chipset-connected slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4), all supporting 2260, 2280, and 22110 form factors. Four SATA 6 Gb/s ports round out local storage, with RAID 0/1/5/10 support available across the SATA array. Connectivity is comprehensive. The integrated Wi-Fi module supports 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands with 160 MHz channel width and up to 2.4 Gbps data rate, accompanied by Bluetooth 5.2. Wired networking is provided by an Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip. The rear I/O includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port (20 Gbps), a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0, optical S/PDIF output, and five audio jacks. Internal headers add further USB flexibility including a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C header and two Thunderbolt add-in card connectors. Audio is delivered through a Realtek ALC1220-VB codec supporting 7.1-channel High Definition Audio with S/PDIF output. Fan control is extensive, with one CPU fan header, one water-cooling CPU fan header, four system fan headers, and two pump/fan combo headers, all monitored through voltage, temperature, fan speed, water-cooling flow rate, and noise detection. The primary PCIe x16 slot operates at PCIe 4.0 x16 for discrete graphics, while two additional slots (x4 and x1 at PCIe 3.0) support expansion cards. AMD CrossFire multi-GPU configurations are also supported. The board ships with Gigabyte’s AMI UEFI BIOS (256 Mbit flash), Q-Flash Plus (BIOS update without CPU/RAM installed), RGB Fusion 2.0 for addressable and standard RGB headers, and Gigabyte’s APP Center software suite including EasyTune, Game Boost, and System Information Viewer. Bundled software includes Norton Internet Security (OEM) and cFosSpeed. Windows 10 and Windows 11 (both 64-bit) are supported. The board carries a 3-year warranty. Verifiable Specifications: • Socket: LGA1700 | Chipset: Intel B660 Express • Form Factor: ATX — 30.5 cm × 24.4 cm • Memory: 4 × DDR5 DIMM, max 128 GB, DDR5-4800 native / DDR5-6000 O.C. (XMP) • Storage: 3 × M.2 (PCIe 4.0 x4 ×2, PCIe 3.0 x4 ×1) + 4 × SATA 6 Gb/s; RAID 0/1/5/10 • GPU Slot: 1 × PCIe 4.0 x16 (primary), 1 × PCIe 3.0 x4, 1 × PCIe 3.0 x1 • Audio: Realtek ALC1220-VB, 7.1-channel HD Audio, S/PDIF Out • LAN: Intel 2.5GbE (2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps) • Wi-Fi: 802.11ax (2.4/5 GHz, 160 MHz, up to 2.4 Gbps) + Bluetooth 5.2 • Rear USB: 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4 × USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 × USB 2.0 • Display Output: 1 × DisplayPort (4096×2304@60 Hz), 1 × HDMI 2.0 (4096×2160@60 Hz) • BIOS: AMI UEFI, 256 Mbit flash, Q-Flash Plus • Warranty: 3 Years